News Summary
The Bethlehem Center in Spartanburg, South Carolina, is set for an $11 million investment aimed at constructing a modern facility to replace its current building. This initiative reflects a commitment to better serve the community and expand outreach programs, addressing current challenges like cramped spaces and facility deterioration. The Spartanburg City Council has also donated a nearby vacant lot for the new facility, ensuring a smoother transition for families in the area. The center offers various programs for children and seniors, addressing critical issues like food insecurity and educational support.
Spartanburg, South Carolina is embarking on an exciting new chapter for the Bethlehem Center, with plans for a new facility and an investment of $11 million from Movement 2030. This funding is aimed at constructing a modern facility that will replace the current building, which has served the community for 75 years but is now in need of significant upgrades.
The existing Bethlehem Center is located in the Highland community and surrounding neighborhoods and has struggled with cramped classroom space, a leaking ceiling, and an uneven basketball floor that features only one hoop. With the new investment, Executive Director Patrena Mims emphasizes the goal of better serving the community and expanding outreach programs.
The Spartanburg City Council has taken an additional step by donating a vacant lot at the corner of Highland and Daniel Morgan Avenues for the future facility. This location is in close proximity to the existing center, making the transition smoother for current attendees and families in the area. A capital campaign will also be launched in the coming months to secure additional funding for the development of the new center; however, specific financial goals will not be established until architectural plans are finalized.
Focus on Community Programs
The Bethlehem Center coordinates a variety of programs designed to cater to the needs of both children and senior citizens. Under the leadership of Allison Suber, initiatives include early childhood development, after-school homework support, arts lessons, STEM activities, and language skills development, with a recently launched summer camp that serves 60 children.
The center’s services extend beyond youth programs; it has a food pantry that helps thousands of families in the Spartanburg County area, addressing critical issues like food insecurity. Additionally, the senior wellness program at the Bethlehem Center produces handmade items such as blankets and hats for individuals in need, including cancer patients and the homeless.
A Vision for Improvement
The Highland community is undergoing a transformation process aimed at enhancing local infrastructure and living conditions. This transformation includes the demolition of the Cammie Clagett Courts public housing complex and the approval of a detailed plan by the city in 2020. This plan focuses on addressing housing, transportation, crime, and retail access challenges within the Highland neighborhood, which predominantly consists of Black and low-income families.
Recent developments such as the Highland Community Early Learning Center are also underway, with a vision to prepare four-year-olds for kindergarten in School District 7. The new $11 million Bethlehem Center will complement existing recreational spaces, according to Spartanburg City’s Communications Manager. Partnerships with local organizations, such as the BRUH mentorship program and Thompson Elite Boxing Academy, further enhance the holistic approach of the center’s services.
Opportunities for the Future
Recent grants, including a notable $150,000 from the Spartanburg Academic Movement, will help improve summer camps and provide academic support from certified teachers. Plans are also being developed for a nature-themed playground adjacent to the First Steps school, featuring elements that will promote the development of children’s motor skills and encourage outdoor learning.
Enrollment for the new K4 school at the Bethlehem Center is now open, with priority given to families residing in the Highland neighborhood, reflecting the center’s commitment to supporting local families. Community leaders have highlighted the pressing need for housing and improvements in infrastructure in Highland as essential elements for fostering a successful future for the neighborhood, demonstrating a community-wide effort to enhance the well-being of residents.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Family-Friendly Events in Greenville, Spartanburg, and the Upstate This March
Highland Neighborhood in Spartanburg Being Revitalized
Additional Resources
- GoUpstate: City of Spartanburg contributes vacant lot for new Bethlehem Center
- Wikipedia: Bethlehem Center
- Fox Carolina: City Spartanburg working with local leaders to transform Highland neighborhood
- Google Search: Highland neighborhood Spartanburg
- GoUpstate: Bethlehem Center receives $100,000 grant for Spartanburg community projects
- Google Scholar: Bethlehem Center Spartanburg
- Tukios: Bethlehem Center Events
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Spartanburg
- Upstate Business Journal: Fifth Third Bank opens in Spartanburg, donates $10K to local food bank
- Google News: Spartanburg Bethlehem Center
Author: STAFF HERE SPARTANBURG
The SPARTANBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESpartanburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Spartanburg, Spartanburg County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Spartanburg International Festival, Spartanburg ArtWalk, and motorsport events at Spartanburg Speedway. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Spartanburg Area Chamber of Commerce and the Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System Foundation, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and textiles that power the local economy such as BMW Manufacturing and Milliken & Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
